Highlights

  • Australia's wholesale unleaded petrol prices ranged between 236.3 c/L in Perth and 246.1 c/L in Darwin on 14 October 2026.
  • Sydney recorded a terminal gate price of 239.2 c/L, while Melbourne and Brisbane registered 239.5 c/L and 240.1 c/L, respectively.
  • International refined fuel prices, currency movements, transport expenses and retail competition continue to influence petrol costs across Australia.

Australian motorists faced varying petrol pricing conditions on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, as wholesale fuel benchmarks reflected differences in regional Supply and distribution arrangements. The Australian Institute of Petroleum (AIP) reported terminal gate prices ranging from 236.3 cents per litre in Perth to 246.1 cents per litre in Darwin.

These figures represent wholesale regular unleaded petrol prices, including GST, rather than the final amounts charged at service stations. Retail prices may differ depending on location, competition and operating costs.

Petrol Prices Across Australia's Major Cities

Wholesale petrol prices varied across Australia's principal distribution centres on 14 October 2026.

Sydney recorded 239.2 c/L, followed by Melbourne at 239.5 c/L and Brisbane at 240.1 c/L. Adelaide registered 237.3 c/L, while Perth recorded the lowest published benchmark at 236.3 c/L.

Hobart and Darwin reported comparatively higher wholesale prices of 244.3 c/L and 246.1 c/L, respectively.

Table 1: Australian Wholesale Petrol Prices — 14 October 2026

Capital City

Terminal Gate Price (c/L)

Sydney

239.2

Melbourne

239.5

Brisbane

240.1

Adelaide

237.3

Perth

236.3

Canberra

Not separately reported

Hobart

244.3

Darwin

246.1

Source: Australian Institute of Petroleum, 14 October 2026. Prices represent regular unleaded petrol wholesale terminal gate averages, inclusive of GST, not retail pump prices.

Why Do Petrol Prices Differ Across Australia?

Petrol pricing varies between Australian cities because of differences in transportation distances, storage infrastructure, wholesale supply arrangements and local retail competition.

Regional and remote locations may experience additional distribution expenses, particularly where fuel must travel considerable distances from major terminals.

Wholesale terminal gate prices provide a reference for fuel Acquisition costs, but retailers also account for freight, site expenses and pricing strategies.

Consequently, motorists can encounter different pump prices even at service stations operating within the same metropolitan area.

International Fuel Markets and Currency Movements

Australia's petrol market is influenced by international refined petroleum prices, particularly Singapore fuel benchmarks.

As international fuel transactions are generally denominated in US dollars, movements in the Australian dollar against the US dollar can influence domestic Import costs.

Federal fuel excise and GST also contribute to petrol prices, alongside wholesale distribution and retail operating expenses.

Changes in international fuel markets may take time to flow through to local pump prices, depending on purchasing arrangements and retail pricing cycles.

What Does Petrol Cost for Australian Motorists?

The financial impact of petrol prices depends on the quantity purchased and the actual service-station rate.

At an illustrative retail price of 240.0 c/L, filling a 50-litre vehicle tank would cost approximately AUD 120.

For a household purchasing 90 litres weekly at the same price, annual expenditure would reach approximately AUD 11,232.

These examples are calculations rather than verified retail refuelling prices for 14 October 2026.

Actual expenses depend on fuel consumption, vehicle efficiency, travel requirements and local pump prices.

Retail Petrol Price Cycles and Consumer Comparisons

Australian metropolitan fuel markets experience pricing cycles influenced by retailer decisions and competition.

Perth typically follows a weekly petrol price cycle, while cycles in several eastern Capital cities can extend over longer periods.

Government fuel-price comparison services, including FuelCheck in New South Wales and FuelWatch in Western Australia, provide information about service-station prices.

Such information helps motorists compare available retail rates, which can differ from the wholesale benchmarks published for major distribution centres.

What Lies Ahead for Australian Petrol Prices?

Australia's wholesale petrol prices on 14 October 2026 reflected a difference of 9.8 c/L between Perth and Darwin.

Future retail pricing will remain influenced by international refined petroleum markets, exchange rates, transport expenses and local competition.

Changes in wholesale terminal gate prices do not necessarily translate immediately into equivalent adjustments at service stations.